First-Year Graduate Student Experience of University Life in an Unfamiliar Department of Nursing / 한국간호교육학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study explores the experience of university life in an unfamiliar department by first-year graduate students. METHODS: Data were collected from participants through focus group interviews between July and August 2013 using phenomenological research methods. Colsizzi's method was used for analysis after the institutional review board of the university approved the study and informed consent was obtained from the participants. All interviews were recorded on an MP3 recorder and transcribed. RESULTS: The analysis revealed 51 meanings that were categorized by 15 key words into 6 themes "sense of isolation," "feeling of solidarity," "limitations," "benefits," "overcoming" and "renewing." CONCLUSION: First-year graduate students experience both positive and negative feelings toward "university life"; however, they eventually overcome their difficulties and adapt to the conditions of their field of study and new department.